Our hearts and thoughts go out to the people affected by the crisis in Ukraine at this worrying time.
As an organisation, we are committed to helping those impacted in any way we can, and we have already taken several steps towards this.
Accommodation for those Fleeing Ukraine
With the support of our client and shareholder, Healthcare Management Solutions has offered the UK Government 150 rooms in empty care home properties for the temporary accommodation of Ukrainian refugees.
Having taken over management of the operator Silverlake Care at the end of 2021, we have three large facilities in the Sussex area which are currently closed. Although we are looking to reopen these services, in the short term, we believe they would provide safe and comfortable temporary housing for around 300 people with kitchen and laundry facilities.
In a letter to Home Secretary Priti Patel, Healthcare Management Solutions CEO Tony Stein said: “In common with the Western world, at Healthcare Management Solutions, we have been devastated by the scenes we have witnessed in Eastern Europe. We, like many others, felt we had to do something to help Ukraine and are in the unique position of having accommodation available in support of HMG’s commitment to those seeking refuge.”
The social care sector is currently facing one of its biggest staffing challenges in years. Mr Stein believes that because of this, the care sector is well placed to assist those arriving from Ukraine with employment opportunities.
“With operational care homes nearby, we could offer those arriving with visas the opportunity of gainful employment within the care sector which would allow them to pay for any future accommodation.”
The offer is being made on a not-for-profit basis to the Home Office for short-term use by those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.
Healthcare Management Solutions CEO Tony Stein talks to ITV Meridian about the company’s offer to the UK Government
Fundraising and Collections
As always, the communities in and around the care homes we manage are keen to help in any way they can. Many of our care homes have been assisting with local collections for established aid organisations and fundraising for the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
The residents and team at Wren Retirement Living’s Wren House in Warminster have several fundraisers planned over the coming weeks. They have already been making and selling flower arrangements in the colours of the Ukrainian flag and have an upcoming bake sale to raise funds for the Red Cross/DEC appeal. In addition, a number of local businesses have been donating prizes for a raffle to add to the funds raised.
Staying with Wren Retirement Living, the team at Featherton House in Oxfordshire have been assisting with a local collection of toiletries, non-perishable foods and other essentials. The Deddington village collection hub at the local church is being coordinated by local lad Fynn Watt. Fynn will be making the journey to the Przemyśl Ukrainian Refugee Camp in Poland with a friend to deliver aid in person. You can read more about Fynn’s story here.
At Larchwood Care’s Broomfield Court in Glasgow, the home has received waves of donations from its local community. These will be passed on to several established aid organisations.
Meanwhile, in West Sussex, the staff, residents and relatives at Silverlake Care’s Upper Mead have been donating essentials for a community collection hub. They delivered donations of baby food, nappies, toiletries and non-perishable foods to Stokes of Henfield, the organisers of the collection. In addition, the home’s residents created beautiful posters to be sent with the donations to let those affected know that everyone is thinking of them at this difficult time.
The team from Upper Mead with their donations for the Henfield community collection for the people of Ukraine
A Moment of Solidarity
On Tuesday 8th March, we brought our teams from all over the United Kingdom together virtually in a show of solidarity for those impacted at this difficult time. Care teams, field staff, those in head office and those working from home were encouraged to wear the colours of the Ukrainian flag and join a video call to reflect on the situation in Ukraine.
During the virtual meet up, our teams exchanged ideas for fundraising and shared existing initiatives to help those affected by the conflict.
Find out how you can assist the Red Cross/Disasters Emergency Committee appeal here.
